Stand For God

This month, Dr. J. Vernon McGee’s article writes about how instead of allowing his life to be influenced and shaped by his culture. Daniel yielded himself to God. Daniel’s experience is also our experience. We, too, are captives in this world, in our bodies, and we cannot serve both God and man today, my friend. 

This yielding to God becomes clearer in light of two areas of Christian conduct. In the first, Romans 12 & 13 is very clear: As Christians we are to be good citizens, submitting to the laws of the land. We should pay our taxes and bills and show respect to those in authority.  We are not to commit adultery, kill, steal, bear false witness, or covet what someone else has. This is how we as believers in Jesus Christ can love our neighbors as ourselves. We are to be honest and avoid carousing, drunkenness, strife, and jealously. The Bible is very clear on these things.

The second way the Bible says we should live is not so black and white. For this grey area God hasn’t laid down rules for us in His Word, instead He has given us three important guidelines.

Guideline #1: Conviction 

Romans 14:5 “One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his mind.”

Whatever a Christian does today he should first purpose in his heart. That’s the answer to all questionable things. If there’s any question in your mind about it, then it is wrong for you to do. Be fully persuaded in your own mind and carry our your conviction with enthusiasm.

Guideline #2 – Conscience

Romans 14:22 “Do you have faith? Have it to yourself before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves.”

Anything that a Christian looks back upon and wonders. “Should I have done that?” was wrong for them. It may not be wrong for the next man or woman, so don’t criticized them. But, friends, if your conscience bothers you about it then it was wrong for you.

Guideline #3 – Consideration

Romans 15:1-2 “We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves.”

Let’s not argue about what is right and what is wrong. The Bible is clear on those points. Instead, the question is, are you driving somebody away from following Jesus Christ by what you are doing? If so, it is wrong. Consideration of others is a principle; not a rule. My friend, when you believe and receive Jesus Christ, you come to the Lover of your soul. You are wedded to Him, you love Him, and you are now trying to please Him. Christian conduct today is not about how far you can go before you are wrong, it is what you can do to please your Savior. To be separated to Him means you feel as Daniel felt when he “purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself.” 

In any given situation, ask God to give you wisdom and courage like Daniel, to stand for Him. Ask him for eyes to see the true issues and the righteous path forward. God is pleased with this kind of request and will surely point the way to walk, and to stand apart for Him.